Closing soon2 days left · express interest by 11:59pm, Monday 16 November 2026

Provision and Maintenance of Ultrasonic Rail Flaw Detection Devices

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited · Central government

In brief

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited is looking for suppliers for laboratory equipment work (London).

It is a framework worth up to £1,815,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.

The contract runs for 37 months, up to 61 months with extensions, starting 1 March 2027.

This is the first stage: register your interest by 11:59pm, Monday 16 November 2026, and shortlisted suppliers are invited to bid.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

Can I win this?

Key dates

Express interest by: 11:59pm, Monday 16 November 2026

This is the first stage. You register interest now, and shortlisted suppliers are invited to bid later.

How bids are scored

Technical 60% · Commercial 40%

Quality matters most. You can win without being the cheapest.

Competition

Typical: a median of 4 bids per contract for this buyer (from 44 awards in the last 12 months).

Framework

Winning puts you on a list of suppliers the buyer can call on; it does not guarantee work. The £1,815,000 is the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers over the framework's life, not one contract.

What the notice says

Network Rail is carrying out a mini-competition using RISQS code C.C.3.4.5.6: Ultrasonic Testing (Non-Train-Borne) / Service. Network Rail currently operates approximately 30 rail flaw detection devices which are approaching the end of their operational lifespan and require replacement. The objective of this procurement is to identify suppliers capable of supplying new equipment, providing ongoing maintenance and support services, whilst offering competitive whole-life value. It is anticipated that replacement devices will be procured on a phased basis; devices will be called-off from the framework as operational requirements dictate. The appointed supplier will be required to have full product acceptance ahead of the combined Procurement specific Questionnaire (PSQ)/ Invitation to Tender (ITT) closing date. All maintenance will need to be carried out by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). It is anticipated that the contract will run for three years from April 2027 with a two year option to extend.

Should I bid?

Tick what applies to you. Nothing is saved.

Can you prepare a good bid in 2 days?That is tight, especially for a first bid with this buyer.
Is a contract of about £1,815,000 a size you can deliver?Buyers often check that your turnover is comfortably larger than the yearly contract value.
Can you deliver in London?Check the delivery locations in the tender documents.
Can you meet what the notice mentions: Framework agreement?The tender documents will say exactly what is required.
Are you registered on the Central Digital Platform?You need to be registered to take part under the Procurement Act 2023.

How to bid

Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
Submit your bid through the buyer's e-tendering portal: networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk.
Register your interest before 11:59pm, Monday 16 November 2026. Shortlisted suppliers are then invited to bid.

Timeline

29 July 2026Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 071806-2026
4 November 2026Tender notice · UK4, notice 104878-2026

About the buyer

Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedLast 12 months

Procurements

252

Awards

Suppliers it has used most for laboratory equipment

Abbott Toxicology Ltd1 contract
BREUER Nachrichtentechnik GmbH1 contract
Findlay Irvine Limited1 contract
Mpec Technology Limited1 contract
Siemens Mobility Limited1 contract

All tenders and awards from Network Rail Infrastructure Limited

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From notice 071806-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 29 July 2026, last updated 4 November 2026. We last checked for changes on 4 November 2026.